FOILED in their quest for glory in the season-opening Governors' Cup, Barangay Ginebra troika Maverick Ahanmisi, Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos relish the opportunity to quickly get another shot at a first PBA title with the crowd darlings in the Commissioner's Cup.
"It's a big blessing: Two conferences, two finals appearances, definitely won't take these moments for granted. It's all due to our hard work individually and as a group, as a team," said sophomore Holt, who joined the Gin Kings from Terrafirma via trade prior to Season 49.
"And, obviously, we're very confident. We like our chances and this is why we compete. Two great teams, two great coaches and a lot of great players. So, let's just roll the dice and see what happens," he added.
The Gin Kings draw confidence from the fact that three mainstays who weren't there when they previously lost the battle for the Governors' Cup title with TNT last November, 4-2, are now in tow.
Jamie Malonzo is back from calf injury and Jeremiah Gray is getting better by the day coming off knee issues. Troy Rosario came on board prior to the mid-season tournament.
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"We're very thankful nakabalik na rin 'yung mga ibang players namin galing injuries like Jamie and Maiah and additional namin si Troy," said Abarrientos.
"'Yung mindset ng namin, same lang naman ng last conference, mas lalong didiin lang kami ngayon."
For the three, it's time to strike back at the Tropang Giga in the best-of-seven championship series that blasts off Friday at the MOA Arena.
"We had the chance last conference. Obviously, we came up short. So, you know, we're trying to double the effort this time," said Ahanmisi, who signed up with Ginebra in Season 48 after his contract with Converge ended. (OL)
